Description

This Sauteed Cabbage recipe offers a deliciously caramelized and tender side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of green cabbage. Sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and optional butter and balsamic vinegar, it provides a flavorful and comforting vegetable option that’s quick to prepare and perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 head Green cabbage (~3 lb)
2 tbsp Olive oil
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tbsp Unsalted butter (optional, but recommended)
1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar (optional)
2 tsp Sea salt, to taste
1/2 tsp Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the cabbage: Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Slice the cabbage thinly and separate the slices into shreds, ready for sautéing.
Heat the oil and garlic: In a 12 to 13-inch pan with tall sides, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Cook the cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the pan. If it doesn’t fit all at once, add it in batches, allowing it to wilt slightly before adding more. Sauté the cabbage for 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes caramelized and tender. Use tongs to stir every 1 to 2 minutes but avoid constant stirring to promote browning.
Add butter and balsamic vinegar (optional): Reduce the heat to medium-low during the last couple of minutes. Stir in the unsalted butter until melted and add the balsamic vinegar to enhance flavor, if using.
Season and serve: Remove the pan from heat and season the sautéed cabbage with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm as a savory vegetable side dish.

Notes

For a richer flavor, be sure to include the optional butter and balsamic vinegar.
If you prefer a softer texture, continue cooking for a few extra minutes until cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the butter or replace it with a vegan butter alternative.
Use a pan with tall sides to prevent cabbage from spilling out as it wilts and reduces in volume.
Stirring every 1-2 minutes allows the cabbage to brown and caramelize nicely without becoming soggy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: sauteed cabbage, caramelized cabbage, easy vegetable side dish, healthy cabbage recipe, garlic cabbage, balsamic cabbage